Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is an infection of the lower genital trait in men and women and is caused by an anearobic, motile protozoan trichoman vaginalis. It is categorized as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) with its transmission felt to be principally by direct intimate contact.

Trichomoniasis vaginalis is significant because of the sever vaginitis and its common association with other sexually transmitted infections, particularly Neisseria gonorrhea and Chlamydia trachomatis.

Risk Factor

Studies have indicates that there are multiple risk factors for trichomoniasis

Includes

·        low socio economic status

·        lack of education

·        crowded living conditions

·        lack of sanitation

·        and poor personal hygiene 

However, the principal risk factors, which overides all others, is multiple sexual partners, as is true for most other STDs.

Signs and Symptoms

Trichomoniasis is a leading cause of vulvovaginitis and occasionally cervicitis and cystitis in women. It is a cause of mild urethritis in men, and may rarely cause prostatitis and epididymitis.

In women-pruritis and burning sensation of vagina

·        an increase in vaginal discharge which range from normal to copious, grayish in colour and some what bubbly in character.

·        the green, frothy discharge and friable erythematous cervix

·        urethritis

·        Asymptomatic infection may sometimes be detected on a papanicolau smear

·        Dysuria and dysparunia

Diagnosis

·        wet smear examination under a microscope

·        Culture

·        cytological examination

Treatment

A single oral dose of metronidazole 2 gm or a 5-day course of 400mg twice daily is the treatment of choice. Since metrondiazol is used in first trimester of pregnancy clortrimazole may be used as local treatment.

A women man's partner should also be treated with metrindiazole.(the same as woman dose)

Conventional advice suggests the avoidance of intercourse until treatment is complete.